A student from one of the region's universities is hoping to become the youngest person to row the Indian Ocean without making landfall.

Joe Leiserach has been selected by record-breaking rower Richard Wood to join him on a leg of his epic attempt to row 20,000 miles across three oceans.

Joe, 21, who is in his final year studying engineering at Newcastle University, only started rowing when he joined his local team after moving to the North three years ago.

Now he is to take on the biggest challenge of his life by accompanying Wood on the final leg of the journey from South Africa, across the Indian Ocean, ending in Australia. In May 2004, Wood completed a solo row across the Atlantic Ocean, from the Canary Islands to Barbados,

Joe said: "The 7000 miles I'll be rowing is expected to take four months. We are having to avoid the shipping lanes and we will have to survive on freeze-dried rations, such as noodles.

"I'm doing 25 to 30 hours a week to build up endurance, but I can't wait to do it.

"I've always liked challenges and I am looking forward to pushing myself and seeing how far I can go. It will almost be a spiritual experience, spending that much time alone with your thoughts.

"I'm not worried about sharks, but I do worry about the cold. However, what came out during the testing is when things are not going right, I am very stubborn and will push myself further and further. It will be the experience of a lifetime."

Joe will be part of an international team of six - four men and two women.

The World Row Challenge will involve rowing 20,000 miles around the world. The first leg of the journey begins in Australia next year.

The second leg is from South America, and will continue across the Atlantic Ocean.

The final leg is from South Africa, across the Indian Ocean, ending in Australia. The whole challenge will take about a year to complete.

Joe is trying to raise #16,000 in sponsorship. If you would like to help, email him at:joe@rowextreme.com